Doing the Right Thing

On this Mother's Day I am reminded of how my mom would have been so proud of me. She missed so many milestones in our family with both grandchildren graduating from college and becoming successful adults. Her grandson's marriage and subsequent great-grandchildren would have been so happy for her. She is the one who always gave me encouragement and praise, especially growing up. Both of my parents and grandparents set the examples for doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. So as I reflect back, I have tried to follow their examples by doing what I feel is the right thing in whatever circumstance is before me.

The hard part of that is whose view is the right thing! I have my own views that I draw from many years of living. Then there are others who try to share their views and feel that theirs is the only right thing. I received an anonymous letter in the mail yesterday from someone who believes that I should only pay attention to their view of the election and not follow the new Mayor's initiatives. I have trouble with that. What if new ideas are good and help a City to progress? Where is keeping an open mind? Isn't part of being a leader listening to others' opinions and thoughts then acting as you feel is the right way? What if by working together we can move the City forward?

Sometimes doing the right thing is being unselfish. Sometimes that is easy and sometimes, not so easy. That's when I draw on the "How would I feel if someone did that for me?" Then it is easy to do the right thing. And many times, I have felt the unselfishness of others when I am the recipient of those good deeds. As moms that is what we do. As a teacher that is what I do. To know that others learn from those examples, it's gratifying.

At the end of the day, doing the right thing for me is the only thing that matters. It's like Rotary's Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it beneficial to all concerned? Is fair to all concerned? And, will it build goodwill and friendships? It may not always jive with the other person's "right thing", but I cannot walk in their shoes.

Cheers to my mom who taught me to "Do the right thing!" And I have never regretted it!